Hunter Clowdus Talks All Things ‘All American’

Hunter Clowdus may be a newcomer to the world of television, but he’s quickly cementing a place for himself as teen drama’s next big thing.

Currently, he plays JJ Parker on All American, The CW’s fresh football drama, loosely based on life of NFL star Spencer Paysinger.

While the character of JJ may have started out as All American‘s answer to comic relief, Clowdus has quickly managed to bring JJ to life in refreshing ways. He is both endearing and hilarious, landing himself a spot at the top of every “fan favorites” list.

I had some questions for Hunter regarding the importance of All American placing social justice issues at the forefront of their stories, how he’d like to see his character expand in the upcoming season, and if we’ll ever actually see JJ settle down long enough to land a girlfriend.

Tell-Tale TV: All American really deviates from the typical teen drama by focusing on pivotal social issues other shows may shy away from. What does it mean to you, being on a show that approaches these kinds of important topics?

Hunter Clowdus: All American is definitely something I’m extremely proud of! I cannot give enough credit to our incredible writers who fearlessly push the boundaries to tell these truths and do so without sugarcoating the issues.

It is truly an honor to be a part of something that is having the level of impact this show is, and it’s something I will never take for granted.

Tell-Tale TV: Let’s talk about your character, JJ. I feel like he has some privilege he doesn’t always recognize. That could be polarizing, but you manage to make him the life of the party and comedic relief. Now he’s a fan favorite! What’s your process when approaching a character like JJ?

Clowdus: Honestly [it’s] hard to even say his name without a smile on my face. I’ve really come to love this guy, and it has been such a joy seeing the fans share that with me.

He is very grounded, which I think people gravitate towards. He is consistent. He is genuine. Even though his antics may be mischievous at times, he has no ill will. He’s a “good vibes only” kind of guy, who treats his friends like family. I think allowing these attributes to be the foundation for JJ provides a relatable base.

Tell-Tale TV: JJ mostly hangs around Asher and Jordan, and the three have an awesome dynamic. What other characters would you like to see him interact with more? 

Clowdus: As much as I would love to run off with Coop and start dropping some bangers, I honestly think the dynamic between the three of us still has many more levels to explore.

Thinking in a realistic manner, your friend group in high school is relatively small. I think these guys have so much they are currently facing, not to mention they are going into their senior year! I hope we continue to nurture our Beverly brotherhood.

Tell-Tale TV: Do we think JJ’s ever had a serious girlfriend? Anyone you’d like to see him romantically intertwined with? 

Clowdus: I think JJ is too in love with himself to share that with anyone at the moment. He’s still very much in a season of “here for a good time, not a long time,” and I think it certainly plays well considering his carefree demeanor.

Tell-Tale TV: We recently found out JJ’s a youth leader at his church! There’s a lot more to him than we’ve yet to explore. What would you like to see if the show took a deeper look into JJ’s life?

Clowdus: It would be great to see what JJ is up to outside of school, football, and parties! I think a scene playing video games with the boys could be absolutely hilarious, or even just him trying to cook a dish for an event, or asking his mom how to do laundry because he’s got to go to college soon and needs to know.

Anything that shows JJ trying to figure anything out is quite hilarious, and I, of course, would love to explore that.

Tell-Tale TV: A lot of All American’s scenes take place on the football field. How much ball do you actually play during those scenes, and what does the prep for that look like?

Clowdus: It really depends! Everything is choreographed by our stunt team for our safety, but it’s still fun when we get to have some contact. I grew up playing football, and getting the opportunity to re-live that on the show is nothing short of a dream.

Football days are certainly some of our longest ones (12-14 hours), but they fly by considering how much fun we are having.

Tell-Tale TV: JJ wears some amazing shirts; I literally want all of them for myself. Do you get any input with your wardrobe?

Clowdus: I absolutely love our wardrobe department! We constantly joke about making everything fitted. When I go in for wardrobe, I will usually pick out a handful of outfits from a rack of clothes that have been specifically selected for the upcoming scenes we have. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our collaboration process and I definitely think we’ve nailed it!

Tell-Tale TV: Congratulations on being picked up for Season 3! How did you feel about the All American Season 2 finale and what we can expect in Season 3?

Clowdus: Season 2 definitely ended with a couple of huge changes to Beverly as we know it. I know the writers have officially started working on Season 3, and knowing them it will be absolutely packed with a million twists and turns.

Every script I receive, I cannot put down until I finish it. I’m looking forward to what their brilliant and creative minds come up with.

Tell-Tale TV: Lastly, what’s next for you in 2020? Any other projects we should be looking out for, acting or otherwise?

Clowdus: Currently I am focused on being happy and healthy. When we prioritize our well-being it, in turn, allows us to operate at a higher level and vibrate at a different frequency.

I do have a few passion projects I’ve been working on which are extremely fulfilling and have me wearing a slightly different creative cap. It’s expanded my way of thinking. I’m looking forward to staying open to any and all things that come my way.

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You can catch Hunter Clowdus on All American, which returns next season to The CW. You can also stream it on Netflix.

*Featured image credit: Caleb Shane

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